Resilient pivotal mounting for reclining chair



April 5, 1955 E. o. BARTOLUCCI RESILIENT PIVOTAL MOUNTING FOR RECLINING CHAIR Filed June 9, 1953 2 snets-snee: 1

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April 5, 1955 E. o BARTOLUCCI RESILIENT PIVOTAL MOUNTING FOR RECLINING CHAIR Filed June 9. 1953 2 Shee'tsSheet 2 INVENTOR. [cg gal MZL, m x am United States Patent RESILIENT PIVOTAL MOUNTING FOR RECLINING CHAIR Edgar 0. Bartolucci, Clilfside Park, N. J. Application June 9, 1953, Serial No. 360,510

Claims. (Cl. 155-77) The present invention relates to improvements in pivotal connections or mountings particularly adapted for reclining chairs and the like.

Various endeavors have been made in the past to pro vide means for establishing a pivotal mounting for pivotally connecting a stationary chair base and a reclining chair seat portion to provide for movement of the seat portion in response to shifting of the person using the chair. Many of these mountings have proven practical for ofiice chairs of the type known as swivel chairs and for modified rocking chairs. However, with the exception of the pivotal mounting disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 268,837, filed January 29, 1952, now abandoned, none of the prior developments have proven entirely satisfactory for reclining chairs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pivotal mounting particularly adapted for reclining chairs of the character set forth.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved pivotal mounting comprising a block of resilient material adapted to be connected to and adapted to comprise the sole connection between a pair of relatively movable members, such as a stationary chair base and a reclining chair seat portion.

In accordance with the present invention, I provide an improved pivotal mounting comprising a block of rubber, or like resilient material, having a thickness less than the other two dimensions thereof and being adapted to be secured, for example, to the base portion and seat portion of a chair with the thickness thereof resisting lateral disassociation of the seat and its base. I have found that adequate resistance to lateral disa'ssociation of the relatively movable members is provided by a relatively thin section of rubber, or the like, while the rubber at the same time provides a resilient connection between the elements so as to accommodate ready rocking of the seat portion with respect to the base portion.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved pivotal mounting comprising a block of resilient material having reenforcing members embedded therein at the portion of the block adapted to be connected to the relatively movable elements of the chair or like structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved pivotal mounting comprising resilient block having means associated therewith for defining limits of rrliovlement between the two elements connected by the b oc A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved pivotal mounting for reclining chairs and the like that is economical of manufacture and adapted for ready and convenient assembly with the elements of a chair or the like.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of two members adapted to be pivotally connected together and one embodiment of the pivotal mounting of the present invention so connecting the two members;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure l, the view showing, in solid lines, a first relative position between the two members and, in dotted lines, a second relative position between the two members;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a modification of the pivotal mounting shown in Figures 1 and 2;

2,705,525 Patented Apr. 5, 1955 Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a second preferred embodiment of the pivotal mounting of the present invention connecting the two members, a portion of the view being in section to show the mounting of the device of the invention to the two relatively movable members;

Figure 5 is a side elevation, similar to Figure 2, of the apparatus shown in Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a side view, partly in section and partly in eleggtion, of the pivotal mounting shown in Figures 4 an Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a first member 10, which may be regarded as a stationary member, or a portion of the stationary base portion of a chair, is adapted for pivotal association with a second member 12, which may be regarded as a movable member, or as a portion of the relatively movable seat portion of the chair. As shown in the drawings, the members 10 and 12 each comprise a metallic tube which may be bent into a rectangle and then provided with a bend transversely of the plane of the rectangle to provide, respectively, a chair base portion 10 and a chair seat portion 12. In forming the rectangles, the tube ends are brought together and suitably retained in aligned relation by means of a dowel pin 14, or the like, as is indicated in Figure 2. If desired, the base member 10 need not comprise a rectangular frame, but may consist of separate side supporting members each in the general configuration of an inverted V. The seat portion 12 preferably comprises a rectangle, as stated, and is adapted to have webbing or other fabric secured thereto to form the reclining seat portion of the chair. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, the tube defining the seat portion 12 is preferably provided at the portion thereof adapted to be pivotally associated with the base 10 with a generally V-shaped bend opposed to the bend of the base 10. While the relationship of the relatively movable members 10 and 12 is preferably as described, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the pivotal mounting of the present invention is not limited in application to relatively movable chair members of the character described, but is adapted for the pivotal connection of various types of relatively movable members.

One embodiment of the pivotal mounting of the present invention is indicated generally at 16 .and comprises a block of resilient material adaptedto connect the relatively movable members 10 and 12 together in spaced but aligned relation, as is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2. The pivotal mounting 16 preferably comprises a block of rubber, or like resilient material, which is shaped at the bottom and top edges thereof to conform to the curvature of the relatively movable members 10 and 12. On the side wall thereof adapted to engage the members 12 and 10, the block 16 is provided at the top and bottom thereof with laterally extending portions 18 and 20, respectively, adapted to grip the relatively movable members. In the installation as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the members 10 and 12 are each formed of tubular stock, the laterally extending portions 18 and 20 of the block 16 are preferably provided with arcuate recesses 22 and 24, respectively, so that the same conform. to the external configuration of the members 12 and 10, respectively.

To secure the pivotal mounting block 16 to the relatively movable members 10 and 12, holes 26 are provided at each end of the block extending through the block and through the lateral extensions 18 and 20 thereof. Suitable fastening means, such as bolts 28, are adapted to be passed through suitable holes provided in the members 10 and 12 and through the holes 26 provided in the block 16. To prevent the occurrence of damage to the resilient block by the bolts 28, the block is preferably recessed at the top and bottom portions of the wall thereof opposite the extensions 18 and 20, as is indicated at 30 and 32, respectively, and each of such recesses is adapted for the reception of a metallic plate 34 and 36, respectively, through which the bolts 28 extend and against which the nuts 38 threaded to the bolts 28 are tightened, whereby 'the plates 34 and 36 are mounted on the outer surface of the block. As will be noted from Figure l, the upper recess 30 and the plate 34 adapted to be received therein are curved at the upper edge thereof so as to prevent the possibility of the protrusion of any sharp metallic edges or the like. In plan, the plates 34 and 36 are shaped to conform to the respective edge configuration of the block 16.

As thus far described, the pivotal mounting of the present invention is well adapted for the support and pivotal connection of a pair of relatively movable members. In use, I have found that the resilient block 16 need not be particularly thick to avoid the occurrence of lateral ofiset between the two relatively movable members and 12. Accordingly, the block 16 preferably has the thickness thereof comprising its smallest dimension although this relationship may be varied if desired. When installed as described hereinbefore, the resilient block 16 will normally retain the relatively movable members 10 and 12 in a position defined by the unstressed condition of the block. Due to its resiliency, the block 16 is adapted to accommodate relative movement between the two members in either direction,

in the longitudinal vertical plane of the block, to either side of the normal or at-rest position. In Figure 2, I have shown in dotted lines one of the positions beyond normal to WhlCh the relatively movable member 12 may be readily moved. For the sake of clarity, the

position of the relatively movable member 12 to the other side of the normal position thereof has not been shown, but it will be appreciated that the block 16 will accommodate movement of the member 12 substantially an equal distance to the opposite side of the normal.

position, the normal position being shown in solid lines in Figure 2.

As will be appreciated from Figure 2, the pivotal mounting of the present invention accommodates pivotal movement between the two members 10 and 12 first by stretching of one end of the block and a compressing of the other end of the block and secondly by a longitudinal shifting of the members with respect to one another. Accordingly, the pivotal mounting of the present invention provides for a rocking movement between the two members, which is ideal for utilization in reclining chair structures. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved pivotal mounting for reclining chairs and the like wherein the relatively movable portions of the chair or the like will be retained in proper alignment and wherein pivotal movement between the two members will be readily accommodated, the structure at the same time providing for assumption of a normal position between the two members.

While the pivotal mounting of the present invention may be employed in accordance with the construction described hereinbefore, it is preferred that reenforcing means he provided at the top and bottom portions of the resilient block 16, that is the portions of the block 16 adapted to be connected to the relatively movable members. To this end, the embodiment of my invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a plurality of straps 40 embedded in the resilient block at the top and bottom portions thereof. Preferably, the reenforcing members 40 comprise arcuate strips of canvas or other fabric having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the top and bottom edges of the block 16. In use, the canvas strips 40 will flex as required according to the stress to which the block 16 is subjected, but will not stretch so that the same provide substantial reenforcement for and prevent the destruction or deterioration of the resilient block 16.

In Figure 3, I have shown the pivotal mounting of the present invention in perspective, and in this view I have included certain features that may be added to the structure of the block shown in Figures 1 and 2 so as to incorporate additional advantages in the pivotal mounting. The first of these advantages resides in the provision of openings, such as the openings 42 and 44, extending through the central body portion of the block 16 so as to reduce the resistance of the block to compression and tension loading whereby the block will more readily accommodate pivotal movement of the two members connected thereby. Preferably, the openings 42 and 44 are generally triangular in shape and are offset from one another so as to avoid undue weakening of the block.

A further modified feature of the pivotal mounting is disclosed in Figure 3, which feature resides in the provision of means for limiting stretching of the ends of the resilient block whereby stops are provided for limiting pivotal movement between the members connected by the block. In the particular modification disclosed in Figure 3, the stop members consist of a pair of flexible but non-stretchable straps, such as canvas or leather straps, or the like, secured to one side Wall of the block adjacent the opposite ends thereof. The straps 46 may be suitably secured to the blocks 16 by fasteners 48, or may include end portions embedded in the body of the block. In the normal position of the block, as is shown in Figure 3, both straps 46 will be slack so as to accommodate stretching of the opposite ends of the body. In use, when either end of the block has been stretched to such extent as to tauten the strap 46 at that end of the block, the strap will prevent further stretching of the block and, accordingly, will prevent further pivotal movement between the two members connected by the block. While utilization of straps for defining the stop members is preferred, it will be appreciated that other known stop members will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

Turning now to Figures 4, 5 and 6, a second and preferred embodiment of my invention has been shown, in Figures 4 and 5, as associated with the pair of relatively movable members 10 and 12 described hereinbefore. Due to the similarity of the two disclosed embodiments of the invention, portions of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6 similar to or the same as portions of the embodiment and modification shown in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in conjunction corresponding reference numerals in the series. As shown, the pivotal mounting comprises a resilient block 116 formed of rubber or a like material. The bottom and top edges of the block preferably have a configuration corresponding to that of the members 10 and 12, respectively. Adjacent the bottom and top edges thereof, the block is provided with a plurality of holes 126 through which bolts 128 may be passed to secure the block to the relatively movable members 10 and 12. Preferably, the block 116 has recesses 129 therein for the reception of nuts 138 by means of which the bolts 128 are secured in position.

The block 116 is reenforced by a pair of metallic reenforcing members 140 adjacent the bottom and top edges thereof. In side elevation, as shown in Figure 6, the reenforcing members 140 have a configuration corresponding to that of the members 10 and 12, respectively. In end elevation or section, the members 140 are of generally channel shape and include a solid or unitary base portion from which a plurality of teeth 141 extend outwardly at either side thereof, the teeth forming the legs of the channel. In manufacture, the block 1.16 is preferably cast about the reenforcing members 140 so that the two reenforcing members face toward one side of the block with the tips of the teeth thereof immediately adjacent the side surface of the block. In use, the said one side of the block is disposed toward the members 10 and 12 so that when the attachment of the block is completed, the teeth have substantially positive engagement with the members 10 and 12. Also, the material of the block 116 within the channel shaped reenforcing members 140 is compressed against the members 10 and 12 to increase the gripping force. Thus, the block, substantially positively grips the members 10 and 12 so that there can be no slipping or other relative movement between the block and each of the members. By such means, the necessity for lateral extensions, such as 18 and 20, on the block is eliminated. Furthermore, the metallic reenforcing members 140 have apertures 143 in the base portion thereof through which the bolts 128 extend, the reenforcing memgeilrs thus serving to eliminate any shearing stress on the The preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 4 to 6, is more economical in manufacture than the embodiment and modification thereof shown in Figures 1 to 3, but the operation and use of the preferred embodiment is the same as that described hereinbefore. As in the embodiment previously described, it is preferred in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 to provide means for limiting the movement accommodated by the block. To this end, flexible, but non-stretchable straps 146 in the form of a pair of wires, are located at each end of the block, each of the same being of a length to be slack when the block is in its normal or at rest position. While the straps 146 may be connected directly to the block, it

is preferred to merely provide a loop at each end of each wire through which the bolts 128 may be passed to secure the straps in operative position and, in effect, to secure the same to the block 116. Preferably, the wires or straps 146 are so mounted as to be confined between the block 116 and the relatively movable members and 12. The purpose and operation of the straps 146 is the same as that of the straps 46 as described hereinbefore. To maintain a neat and attractive appearance, the straps or wires 146 are preferably restrained from assuming a slack or loosely hanging condition by means of a rubber, or like resilent band 150, tending to pull the two wires together, as is shown in Figure 5. The rubber band 150 also assists to some extent in insuring return of the block 116 to its normal position, as is shown in solid lines in Figure 5.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides improved pivotal mountings for reclining chairs or the like. In use on a chair, two of the blocks will be provided, one on each side of the chair, and the blocks may be mounted either to the inside or the outside of the chair frame members. Due to the simplicity thereof and the fact that the block lends itself to design in conformity with the ornamental appearance of the chair, it will be appreciated that the block, regardless of its mounting, will not detract from the ornamental appearance of the chair. In use, the resilient block will normally retain the chair members in an intermediate position and will be adapted to accommodate movement of the seat portion of the chair to either side of its normal position depending upon the position assumed by the person using the chair. By providing or omitting openings, such as 42 and 44, in the block, the resistance to movement provided by the block may be varied Within Wide limits. By providing stop means, such as the flexible straps 46 and 146, the limits of pivotal movement between the members connected by the block may be readily determined. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved pivotal mounting capable of meeting all of the requirements to which a pivotal mounting may be subjected.

Hereinbefore, specific reference has been made to the utilization of the pivotal mounting of the present invention with reclining chair structures. It will be appreciated, however, that the pivotal mounting of the invention is not limited in application solely to reclining chairs but is adapted for wide utilization as a pivotal mounting member.

While I have described What I regard to be preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pivotal mounting for pivotally connecting a pair of relatively movable members, comprising a block of resilient material adapted to be secured at opposite edge portions thereof to each of the relatively movable members and adapted to comprise the sole connection between the members, reenforcing members embedded in said block at said edge portions thereof, said block having openings therethrough intermediate said edge portions, means associated with said block adjacent the opposite ends thereof for limiting the extent of the resilient action of said block, and metallic plates mounted on the outer surface of said block at said opposite edge portions thereof.

2. A pivotal mounting for pivotally connecting a pair of relatively movable members that are disposed in spaced but aligned relation, comprising a block of resilient material adapted to be connected at opposite edge portions thereof to sides of the relatively movable members and adapted to comprise the sole connection between the members, said edge portions of said block having a configuration conforming to that of the relatively movable members, said block including lateral extensions coextensive with said edge portions thereof, said lateral extensions having side surfaces thereof shaped to con form to side surfaces of the relatively movable members.

3. A pivotal mounting for pivotally connecting a pair of relatively movable members, comprising a block of resilient material adapted to be secured at opposite edge portions thereof to each of the relatively movable members and adapted to comprise the sole connection between the members, and reenforcing members embedded in said block adjacent said edge portions thereof, said reenforcing members each comprising a metallic insert of generally channel shape in cross section, the legs of each channel shaped reenforcing member each comprising a plurality of teeth extending toward. and disposed immediately adjacent one side of said block.

4. A pivotal mounting for pivotally connecting a pair of relatively movable members, comprising a block of resilient material adapted to be secured. at opposite edge portions thereof to each of the relatively movable members and adapted to comprise the sole connection between the members, reenforcing members embedded in said block adjacent said edge portions thereof, said reenforcing members each comprising a metallic insert of generally channel shape in cross section having the legs thereof comprising a plurality of teeth extending toward the adjacent side surface of said block, and a flexible but non-stretchable strap extending between said reenforcing members adjacent each end of said block, said straps in the normal position of said block being slack but upon stretching of the adjacent end of the block being adapted to limit movement of said block.

5. In a reclining chair, a base portion formed of tubular stock and including a portion in the shape of an inverted V, a seat portion formed of tubular stock and including a portion in the shape of a V, said seat portion and said base portion being disposed in aligned relation with the apexes of the Vs aligned with. one another but spaced apart, a block of resilient material having the top and bottom edges thereof shaped to conform to the V-shape of said seat portion and the inverted V'-shape of said base portion respectively, reenforcing members embedded in said block adjacent said edges thereof, said reenforcing members having a configuration corresponding generally to that of the respective edges of said block, and bolts extending through said tubular members, said block and said reenforcing members at the top and bottom of said block for securing said block to said tubular members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 94,979 Simmons Sept. 21, 1869 1,588,477 Kingston June 15, 1926 2,572,145 Hendrickson Oct. 23, 1951 2,587,822 Corning Mar. 4, 1952 2,607,411 Van Vliet Aug. .19, 1952 2,667,210 Eames Ian. 26, 1954 

